Results of a campus-wide assessment of the writing skills of students at Ferris State College (Michigan) are presented. In fall 1985 and spring 1986, incoming freshmen produced writing samples in English classes. Upper-division students in the following programs also produced writing samples: allied health, arts and sciences, business, education, optometry, pharmacy, and technology. Upper division students were all seniors except for pharmacy (juniors) and optometry (graduate students). Each writing sample was read independently by two raters and scored on an assessment instrument that was developed for the evaluation project. The 15-point assessment instrument, which covers writing context, form, and language, is appended. Examples of papers are provided that fit one of three categories (above mid-range in scoring; mid-range; and below mid-range): (1) a composition that is adequate in the three rating categories and that also shows sophistication, breadth of experience, and facility with language; (2) a composition that demonstrates the fundamentals of writing but has little sophistication; and (3) a paper that shows major flaws in one or or more of the three rating categories. Explanations are provided of the ratings for each of the five writing samples. The appendixes provide numerous bar graphs, the assessment form (rating form), and information on objectives of the freshman English courses. (SW)